The final home game of the season for Leeds United, would it be their last home game in the Premier League for a while? Burnley lost in the early kickoff , so would that motivate Leeds?
It was played at a nervous but raucous Elland Road
After three minutes, an inswinging corner was brilliant and Sanchez dropped the ball in his own 6 yard box, Gelhardt hooked a shot towards goal but Cooper inadvertently blocked it, unlucky Leeds.
Three minutes later, Trossard fed Mac Allister in the box, but Phillips blocked.
After 10 minutes, Mac Allister skipped into good position down right and had three players to pick out, final ball wasn’t great, but Caicedo got loose ball and prodded a shot that was saved by Meslier.
Just before the quarter hour, March popped up in centre of box, was played onside by Firpo, only had Meslier to beat but skewed a poor shot wide, too easy for Brighton though.
Three minutes later, good pressure down right ended with Gelhardt shooting but well wide.
After 20 minutes, Gross was in behind Leeds defence and free in box 10 yards out, from tiht angle his shot was smashed straight at Meslier.
1st Brighton goal- Chip by Welbeck
In the same minute, Rodrigo had the chance to play Harrison in, but took too long to pass, Brighton countered and Welbeck was too strong for Llorente, whose effort was feeble and Welbeck was in on goal and chipped over Meslier into the corner, Leeds behind again.
After 35 minutes, more easy play released Welbeck behind Leeds defence but shot straight at Meslier but the flag up eventually for offside.
Three minutes later, Brighton opened Leeds up again as Trossard escaped behind, only had Meslier to beat but took too long and Koch cleared.
After 41 minutes, Harrison got the better of March , Klich fed Phillips 20 yards out, but neither the pass or shot were great as went wide.
A minute later, short corner worked to Klich on edge of area, he curled fantastic effort that was heading in before Sanchez stuck out a hand to palm round post.
Halftime score: Leeds United 0-1 Brighton
There were a few boos around the ground at halftime, Brighton were the better side and could have scored at least another one or two goals, could Leeds rescue the match and their season 2nd half?
After 47 minutes, Gelhardt found Raphinha down right and shot over bar.
Three minutes later, Leeds won corner, Raphinha sent one into near post, but Firpo headed over bar.
A couple of minutes later, Harrison’s shot was rushed and went over bar.
Then a quick ball down right found Raphinha who drove into box and crossed to the near post was met by Rodrigo but Dunk did enough to deflect over bar.
Just before the hour, Brighton corner was sent to back post where Veltman was waiting to head back across the goal, team-mates were waiting and header looped over bar.
Just after the hour, Leeds freekick 30 yards out, Raphinha went for goal, it was a fantastic effort that made Sanchez scramble across to keep ball out, and hit the bar.
A couple of minutes later, Harrison broke down left and put a brilliant ball that took all Brighton defenders out, Raphinha slid in seemingly to poke home, but Cucurella did enough to send ball wide.
After 72 minutes, Klich had space 15 yards out on the angle but smashed low strike beaten away by Sanchez.
Three minutes later, Gelhardt got to edge of box and drilled low shot wide.
After 80 minutes, Gross’ cross found Welbeck at back post, only 8 yards out but headed wide of the post.
Leeds equaliser- Struijk header
In the 2nd minute of stoppage time, Llorente picked Gelhardt out on right, he did an amazing piece of skill and technique to beat Dunk on byline, his cross deflected and dropped to Struijk at back post, and he headed home into the top corner. Elland Road went berserk and Leeds were out of bottom three. How big a goal could that be?
In the 5th minute of stoppage time, ball went to back post was volleyed back in by Gelhardt, blocked by Veltman, shouts for handball from the crowd, but no penalty given.
A minute later, Brighton countered and Lamptey struck from angle and ball went wide of post.
Fulltime score: Leeds United 1-1 Brighton
It was a much better 2nd half for Leeds United and they had a lifeline, and Everton lost later on Sunday. About 30 mins after the match, Raphinha was just sat near the goals, and Kalvin Phillips was having a look round, is it possible they have played their last games for Leeds at Elland Road?
It means Leeds are 17th on 35 points with one game left.
The relegation battle is going to the final week of the season:
Everton 16th 36 points 2 games left (C. Palace home), Arsenal (a)
Leeds 17th 35 points 1 game left (Brentford away)
Burnley 18th 34 points 2 games left (A. Villa away) and Newcastle (home)
Highlights of this game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQexjTXaZz0
Next for Leeds is their final game of the season as they go to London to face Brentford at the Brentford Community Stadium on Sunday May 22nd with a 4pm kickoff. They’ll know what’s required by the end of Thursday night.
